Thierry Goldberg Gallery Accused of Non-Payment

A recent spotlight on Thierry Goldberg Gallery, a Lower East Side staple, reveals a troubling pattern of non-payment and withheld artworks that has left a dozen artists stranded without compensation.

Since 2007, Thierry Goldberg has championed emerging talents, but recent claims from artists like Nicolas Lambelet Coleman and Bwambale Wesely shed light on a gallery in turmoil. Both recount initial successes that soon turned into a string of delays, missing payments, and unanswered messages.

The situation reached a breaking point in August when artists banded together to share their experiences. Their stories highlight not just individual grievances, but systemic flaws in how galleries operate—often relying on handshake deals and opaque financial practices.

For artists, the lesson is clear: community is strength. By sharing their stories and supporting one another, they’re pushing for change in an industry rife with ambiguity. Calls for escrow accounts and direct collector-artist communication are growing louder, reflecting the need for fairer, more transparent practices.

As galleries like Thierry Goldberg shutter their doors, artists are left questioning: how do we ensure this doesn’t happen again? The answers may lie in unity, advocacy, and a collective push for reform. Because no artist should create in fear of losing their livelihood.

ART Walkway News